Britain's Harry and Meghan will no longer be working members of royal family

LONDON: Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will no longer be working members of Britain’s royal family and they will not use their “royal highness” titles as they embark on a more independent future, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family,” Queen Elizabeth said in a statement, referring to the couple’s baby son.

“I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”

The queen added that she was “particularly proud” of how Meghan became one of the family.

Harry, 35, and his American wife, former actress Meghan, 38, sparked a crisis in the British monarchy this month by announcing they wanted to reduce their royal duties and spend more time in North America, while also becoming financially independent.

In recent days, the queen and her family have been working out with officials how this stepping back will work in practice.

The palace said Harry and Meghan will no longer receive public funds and they will repay money spent on the refurbishment of their cottage at Windsor, west of London.

The changes will come into effect in the spring of this year, the palace said.

Queen’s statement:

Buckingham Palace announced on Saturday that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will no longer be working members of Britain’s royal family and they will not use their “royal highness” titles as they embark on a more independent future.

Following is the text of Queen Elizabeth’s statement:

“Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.

Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.

I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.

I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.

It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”